A new defender is to have talks with the U's as competition for places hots up.

Colchester United boss Mick Wadsworth refused to name him until talks are further along the line as he looks to strengthen the squad to ensure Division Two survival.

But it may be the back line will have a more continental feel in the near future.

Wadsworth has already brought in Warren Aspinall on loan and the experienced midfielder did well for the U's reserves who dominated Swindon but went down 1-0.

Aspinall will be included in the squad to face his first club Wigan tomorrow night, at Layer Road.

Wadsworth said: "Warren did well, his passing was good and his vision excellent. We need more competition for places and Warren provides that in the midfield."

The best form of defence is often attack and Wadsworth showed that by putting Paul Abrahams at right back and Steve Forbes as centre back in an experimental reserve line up.

Both players are usually considered attack minded but both did good jobs defensively. Wadsworth said: "We need players to be versatile and I have encouraged that at every club I have been at.

"Sometimes you can rediscover a player by putting in another position. I thought Paul was outstanding and showed a lot of ability and if he provided competition to the existing full backs all the better."

Dutchman Arafath Heuvel lasted the whole game, showed some good touches and had a goal disallowed.

Mark Sale also had a goal ruled out after he came on the for the second half as U's went to three up front.

Scott Stamps played 45 minutes as part of his road to recovery. Lomano Tresor Lua Lua was the centre of scouting attention with Wimbledon and Aston Villa join the list of watchers.

He was booked for kicking the ball away, missed two good chances, one well saved, the other a complete hash, and was denied a penalty.

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